HOME PROFILE: Gorgeous family room is just the beginning

By Barbara ForsterGateHouse Media

Monday

Oct 8, 2018 at 4:54 PMOct 8, 2018 at 4:54 PM

Of the many outstanding features of this distinctive Colonial — and there are oodles of them including its setting on beautiful and professionally landscaped grounds at the end of pretty cul de sac across from Salem Harbor — the family room is right at the top of the list.

ADDRESS: 8 Fairview Ave., Salem

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 3 full

LIVING SPACE: 3,640 sq. ft.

PRICE: $824,900

Of the many outstanding features of this distinctive Colonial — and there are oodles of them including its setting on beautiful and professionally landscaped grounds at the end of pretty cul de sac across from Salem Harbor — the family room is right at the top of the list.

Let me explain. We expect family rooms to be large, comfortable and inviting, open directly to the kitchen or within easy access. This one is, too, yet the extras it offers are not only unforgettable but add an understated elegance that is captivating. The architectural ceiling — it stretches at least two-stories high with a unique cathedral effect — and glistening hardwood flooring are two prime examples. The bump out with five sets of multi-glass paned window topped with matching transoms that surround the built-in seat and overlook the sprawling enclosed yard is a perfect spot to wile away an hour or two. Incidentally, wide moldings around the window and doors frames plus detailed bump boards — these are throughout the house — ratchet up the charm factor.

Reaching that outdoor space is easy, too. Multi-glass pane French doors with sidelights and more transoms lead to wrap-around bluestone patio.

All this is two steps down from a stunning kitchen. Carrera marble atop the L-shaped counters is a sleek contrast to the mahogany center island with storage that also seats four or more. Glass front upper cupboards are highlighted with under-cabinet lighting while floor-to-ceiling cabinetry on the other side of this big room provides a substantial amount of storage. Oh, a walk-in pantry is also nearby.

Subway tile with a rounded edge gives the backsplash behind the gas range — it has its own niche — a rustic yet sophisticated look. Working at the sink, which is tucked under eight-paned corner windows, includes a view of the patio and garden.

Shall we go on?

Traditional built-in china cabinet, double crown molding, a detailed chair rail and a ceiling medallion (for the chandelier) are appropriately traditional features in the spacious dining that seats eight to 10 with ease. But little touches like multi-glass pane doors — a swinging door leads to the kitchen and a stationary one goes to the front entrance — add pizzazz.

The front-to-back living room with an extra-wide fireplace with dentil trim is a gracious space. A large one, too. Double crown molding, the chair rail and detailed bump boards are lovely traditional accents.

The office is another treat. A white-washed brick wall is a dazzling accent to a great ocean view in this room with a high cove ceiling with detailed beams. Two double-hung windows have an eye-brow topper; two additional windows are at the back and front. A built-in unit with a desk flanked by open shelving increases the versatility but it’s what you don’t see that is heartwarming — literally. This room has radiant heated flooring. Nice, huh?

This level also has a full bathroom with a corner step-in shower and a gigantic mudroom storage space to spare. It’s pretty, too, with an easy-maintenance tile floor and an extra-wide double closet.

Did I mention that gorgeous hardwood flooring is in almost every room including the kitchen?

Still so much to see

We could take the front staircase to the second floor but the back one, which is off the family room, leads to another surprise: a fully (and masterfully finished) loft-like space with another high architectural ceiling with a ceiling fan. A skylight and exposed beams add visual interest. For dramatic effect, a built-wall section has uplighting.

While this works well as a den/study — it overlooks the family room — it could also be a sitting room for the adjacent master suite with all the bells and whistles.

A head-turning (as in up) architectural ceiling is complemented by three large window niches with mini cathedral ceilings. Carefully placed, these large openings — one has a desk — insure that all views include green space. Each window has a motorized shade.

The en suite bathroom is designed for form and function with two sinks in a long vanity plus a tub/shower combination.

Another full bathroom with a corner step-in shower is on the way to the remaining three large bedrooms. One can accommodate a king-size bed and all have excellent closet space.

And then…

Hardly an afterthought, the lower level, which is the footprint of the house, is filled with amenities including an enormous laundry area and built-in wardrobes on two walls. In addition to wine cellar space — you can see this house has practically everything — a massive workshop area is down here, too.

One more thing. A two-car heated (and attached) garage is part of the package.

Contact Kim Pyne or Michael Cannuscio of Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty at 617-510-2466 or 781-836-0068 or by email: kim.pyne@sothebysrealty.com or michael.cannuscio@sothebysrealty.com.